Modern refrigerators have ceased to be just freezers for long-term storage of supplies, but have turned into complex climate systems designed to preserve not only the freshness, but also the nutritional value of food. One of these advanced features, often found in descriptions of models in the mid- and high-price segment, is an option that manufacturers and marketers call “Vitamin Plus” or “Vitamin Plus”. Users are often at a loss, believing that we are talking about some kind of chemical treatment or the addition of artificial substances, but in practice everything is much simpler and at the same time more complex from a technical point of view.
In fact, under this marketing name there is hidden a specially designed freshness zonewhere unique conditions of humidity and temperature are maintained, different from the main volume of the chamber. The main goal of this technology is to slow down the processes of oxidation and withering, allowing vitamins and microelements in vegetables, fruits and herbs to be preserved much longer than in a conventional compartment. Understanding the principles of operation of this system will help you not only operate the equipment correctly, but also significantly reduce the amount of thrown away products, maintaining their taste for a week or more.
Principle of operation of the Vitamin Plus technology
The basis of the operation of any system labeled as "Vitamin Plus" is the precise control of two parameters: temperature and humidity. Unlike the main refrigeration chamber, where the air is often dried out by the operation of the compressor and the No Frost system, in a special compartment conditions are created that are close to the natural habitat of plants. Optimal humidity here it can reach 90-95%, which prevents the evaporation of moisture from the cells of fruits and vegetables, maintaining their elasticity and juiciness.
The temperature in such a zone is usually maintained at 0...+3 degrees Celsius, which is slightly above the freezing point, but significantly lower than the standard +5...+7 degrees in the main chamber. It is this low temperature mode combined with high humidity that inhibits the activity of bacteria and enzymatic processes leading to rotting. Some models of refrigerators are equipped with special dampers that regulate the flow of cold air, or separate evaporators for more precise adjustment of the climate inside the box.
It is important to note that the name "Vitamin Plus" does not mean that the refrigerator synthesizes vitamins or saturates foods with them.
This is just a way to say that storage conditions are selected so that the natural destruction of vitamins (especially vitamin C and group B) occurs as slowly as possible.
Some advanced models may use additional technologies, such as air ionization or special filters that absorb ethylene - a gas emitted by ripening fruits and accelerating the spoilage of neighboring products.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the "Vitamin Plus" zone with the freezer. A sharp drop in temperature below zero will lead to the destruction of the cellular structure of vegetables, and after defrosting they will turn into a porridge-like mass.
Differences from standard compartments for vegetables
Many users wonder how a special box differs from a regular plastic container at the bottom of the refrigerator. Standard vegetable compartments are usually simple sealed containers that only partially restrict the circulation of dry air from the main chamber. In them, the humidity increases due to the evaporation of the products themselves, but there is no control over this process, which often leads to either drying out or, conversely, the appearance of condensation and mold.
The system Vitamin Plus implies active or passive, but controlled microclimate control. Such compartments often have a double bottom system or special channels for supplying cooled air, which prevent the temperature from rising above a critical level even with frequent opening of the door. Airtightness such chambers are also made at a higher level, often using seals around the perimeter of the box, which allows maintaining stable humidity regardless of the conditions in the rest of the refrigerator.
In addition, the materials used to make Vitamin Plus boxes often have antibacterial properties.
This prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microflora on the walls of the container, which is especially important when storing cut fruits or berries with thin skin.
In ordinary In the compartments, plastic gets scratched over time and absorbs odors, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, while special coatings are easier to wash and disinfect.
Which products are best stored in the freshness zone
The effectiveness of Vitamin Plus technology directly depends on what exactly you put in it. Not all foods react equally to high humidity and low temperatures. Ideal candidates for such storage are vegetables and fruits with a high water content, as well as fresh herbs, which under normal conditions quickly wither. Leaf salads, parsley, dill, cilantro and basil retain turgor and bright color for 10-14 days, whereas in a regular compartment they can wither after 3-4 days.
Storing berries also shows excellent results: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes. High humidity prevents the berries from wrinkling, and low temperature inhibits the development of mold, which often affects them when stored in a warm place. Mushrooms is another category of products that “loves” such conditions; they do not dry out or become slimy, maintaining the elasticity of the cap.
☑️ What to put in Vitamin Plus first?
- 🍓 Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes.
- 🥬 Greens: all types of salads, spinach, arugula, parsley, cilantro.
- 🍄 Mushrooms: champignons, oyster mushrooms, wild mushrooms.
- 🥒 Vegetables: cucumbers, zucchini, Bulgarian peppers, asparagus.
- 🍎 Fruits: peaches, nectarines, apricots (unripe).
However, you should be careful with exotic fruits such as bananas or pineapples, which can turn black at too low temperatures.
It is also not recommended to store in one drawer foods with a strong smell (for example, some types of cheeses or fish) next to delicate fruits, as they can absorb extraneous aromas.
⚠️ Attention: Design details and names of zones may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Always check the instructions for your specific refrigerator model to know exactly the capabilities of your device.
Compatibility table of products and temperature conditions
For ease of use, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the table that demonstrates how different groups of products react to conditions in the Vitamin Plus zone compared to a conventional chamber. This will help distribute supplies most rationally and avoid spoilage.
| Product type | Regular chamber (+5°C) | Vitamin Plus zone (0...+3°C, 90%) | Shelf life (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Quickly loses juice, mold appears | Retains elasticity, without mold | Up to 5-7 days |
| Greens (parsley, dill) | Withers, turns yellow after 2-3 days | Remains fresh and green | Up to 14 days |
| Cucumbers | Wrinkle, lose crunch | Retain moisture and crunch | Up to 10 days |
| Mushrooms | Darken, become slippery | Remain white and dry | Up to 7 days |
The table shows that the difference in shelf life can be twofold or even threefold.
This is especially true for families who purchase food a week in advance and want to be sure of their quality at the time of consumption.
Proper distribution of products among refrigerator zones is a simple way to save the family budget and reduce the amount of food waste.
Rules for operating and caring for the freshness zone
For Vitamin Plus technology to work effectively, you must follow certain operating rules. First of all, this concerns the packaging of products. Despite the high humidity inside the box, some foods, especially berries and greens, are best stored in perforated bags or special containers with holes for ventilation. Complete sealing can lead to condensation and rapid rotting, as the food needs to “breathe.”
Regular cleaning of the drawer is also critical. Residues of juice, pieces of leaves or soil can become a source of bacteria, which, in high humidity, multiply at tremendous speed. Disinfection should be carried out at least once a month using mild detergents that do not leave an odor. Aggressive chemicals can damage the antibacterial coating or plastic.
Can the Vitamin Plus drawer be washed in the dishwasher?
Usually, manufacturers do not recommend washing plastic refrigerator drawers in the dishwasher. High water temperatures (above 60 degrees) can deform the plastic, disrupting the geometry of the box and the tightness of the lid. Additionally, harsh detergents can make the plastic cloudy or brittle. It is best to use warm water with mild soap and a soft sponge.
Do not overload the drawer with products.
For proper air circulation and moisture distribution between the products, there must be free space between the products.
If the drawer is full, cold air will not be able to wash all the products evenly, and the effectiveness of the freshness zone will decrease.
Common mistakes when using the function
One of the most common mistakes is storing products that do not require high humidity or low temperatures in the Vitamin Plus zone. For example, potatoes, onions and garlic quickly germinate in such conditions or begin to rot due to excess moisture. It is better to store these root vegetables in a dry, cool place outside the refrigerator or in a special dry zone if it is provided for in the design of the model.
Another mistake is ignoring signs of spoilage. High humidity can mask the onset of the rotting process. The product may look normal on the outside, but the fermentation process has already begun inside. Therefore visual control the contents of the box should be regular. If you notice even a small area of mold on a berry, it is better to remove the entire group of products or carefully sort through them, since mold spores spread instantly in humid conditions.
- ❌ Storing potatoes and onions (high humidity is destructive).
- ❌ Closing all ventilation holes with products.
- ❌ Ignoring condensation on the walls of the box.
- ❌ Using aggressive chemicals for cleaning.
Also, do not put hot or warm food immediately after cooking.
This will upset the temperature balance throughout the refrigerator and cause the compressor to work overload, and in the freshness zone the humidity may temporarily rise to 100%, which will cause “rain” inside box.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to freeze food in the Vitamin Plus zone?
No, absolutely not. The Vitamin Plus zone is the refrigerator compartment with a temperature above zero (usually from 0 to +3 degrees). Freezing requires temperatures below -18 degrees. An attempt to freeze food in this compartment will only lead to their spoilage, since the temperature is not low enough for quick freezing, but sufficient to destroy the structure if left near the freezing point for a long time.
Why does a lot of condensation form in the Vitamin Plus drawer?
The formation of a small amount of condensation (moisture on the walls) is a normal process, indicating operation of the humidity maintenance system. However, if there is too much moisture (there are puddles), check that the ventilation holes are not blocked by food, and make sure that you do not put wet, freshly washed vegetables or fruits there. Also, the cause may be a loose refrigerator door or a faulty seal.
What is the difference between Vitamin Plus and BioFresh?
In fact, these are different marketing names for the same concept - the freshness zone. BioFresh is the term used by Liebherr (and partners like Bosch, Siemens), while Vitamin Plus, Fresh Zone, Optimal Fresh and other names are used by various brands (LG, Samsung, Indesit, etc.). There is no fundamental difference in the physics of the process: a combination of low temperature and high humidity is used everywhere.
Is it necessary to adjust the temperature in this compartment separately?
In most modern refrigerators, the temperature in the Vitamin Plus zone is adjusted automatically depending on the settings of the main chamber or the position of a special damper (slider) on the drawer itself. There is usually no separate electronic thermostat for this box. However, some premium models may provide independent settings via an electronic display.